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via f1oversteer.comMercedes just dealt George Russell a bigger ‘drop off’ blow than Max Verstappen’s pace at SepangDuring Practice 1 of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, George Russell secured second place but faced significant tyre degradation issues, as confirmed by Mercedes. Max Verstappen dominated the session, finishing 0.383 seconds ahead of Russell, raising concerns for the Mercedes team regarding their performance.
Russell inquired about the tyre situation over the radio, revealing that Mercedes was struggling compared to Red Bull. The team indicated that they were the outliers in terms of tyre performance, which could lead to a challenging race weekend if not addressed. Russell is hoping for rain to potentially alter the tyre dynamics in his favour.
Fri 2 Oct · 07:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comMax Verstappen leads opening practice at Bahrain GPMax Verstappen of Red Bull set the fastest time in the first practice session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. He was followed closely by George Russell, marking a competitive start to the event.
+ 8 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:38 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen leads first practice in MalaysiaMax Verstappen recorded the fastest time in the first practice session at the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The Red Bull driver outpaced George Russell, setting a strong tone for the weekend.+ 1 moreFri 2 Oct · 05:31 UTC
via RacingNews3652026 Bahrain Grand Prix Free Practice 1 resultsThe Free Practice 1 session for the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix took place at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia. Full results from the session have been released, detailing the performance of all participating teams and drivers.
+ 3 moreFri 2 Oct · 03:25 UTC
via RacingNews365Oscar Piastri raises menacing Mercedes concern: 'That's not a great sign'Oscar Piastri has voiced concerns regarding Mercedes' recent performance, particularly after George Russell's dominant victory in Baku and the introduction of a significant upgrade for the upcoming Malaysian Grand Prix. Piastri highlighted that Russell's pole position and race win indicate a strong showing from Mercedes, which could pose challenges for McLaren.
Piastri believes that the Sepang circuit's layout may favour McLaren more than Baku did, as it features high-speed corners that align with their strengths. However, he remains cautious about Mercedes' upgrades, which are designed to enhance their cornering capabilities without sacrificing straight-line speed, potentially complicating McLaren's efforts to compete effectively.Thu 1 Oct · 21:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell flags tyre overheating concern ahead of Malaysian Grand PrixGeorge Russell has expressed concerns about tyre overheating at the Malaysian Grand Prix, which could complicate overtaking maneuvers. He highlighted that the hot conditions at the Sepang International Circuit may lead to aggressive tyre degradation, making it difficult for drivers to maintain close racing.
With the FIA declaring a heat hazard for the weekend, both Russell and McLaren's Oscar Piastri are preparing for a challenging race. The resurfaced track, which hasn't hosted a race since 2017, may present grip issues, and Friday's practice sessions will be vital for teams to assess tyre performance and adapt to the conditions.Thu 1 Oct · 13:51 UTC
via Sky Sports F1George Russell optimistic about Mercedes upgradesGeorge Russell expressed optimism regarding the substantial aerodynamic upgrades introduced by Mercedes at the Bahrain Grand Prix. He believes these enhancements will support his performance and contribute to the team's title aspirations.
+ 4 moreThu 1 Oct · 12:48 UTC
via BBC SportRussell says his 'confidence is back and growing'George Russell expressed renewed confidence following his recent victory in Azerbaijan, stating he no longer feels lost and is ready to compete for wins consistently. With seven or eight races remaining, he aims to close the 66-point gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the championship standings. Russell noted that he has adjusted his driving style to better suit the Mercedes car, allowing him to focus more on speed rather than adjustments.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton backed Ferrari's team principal Frederic Vasseur amidst speculation about his future, asserting that removing him would be a mistake. Hamilton highlighted Ferrari's improvement this season, noting their second place in the constructors' championship despite a power deficit compared to rivals. He emphasised the importance of building on their progress and maintaining a strong foundation for future success.
Thu 1 Oct · 11:07 UTC
via Formula1.comAntonelli believes Russell has ‘got the momentum’Kimi Antonelli has expressed his belief that George Russell has gained significant momentum following his recent victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Despite maintaining a 66-point lead in the drivers' standings, Antonelli acknowledges the challenge Russell poses, especially after his strong performance in Baku where he secured pole position and ultimately won the race.
Looking ahead to the Bahrain Grand Prix, Antonelli is optimistic about the upgrades Mercedes will introduce, which he hopes will enhance the car's grip and downforce. He is eager to test his skills on the Sepang circuit, noting the importance of improving in areas such as managing long corners. Antonelli remains focused on achieving the best results and is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
Thu 1 Oct · 10:19 UTC
via f1oversteer.comMax Verstappen says George Russell needs big turnaroundMax Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant improvement to catch his teammate Kimi Antonelli in the 2026 Formula One title race, with Russell currently 66 points behind. Meanwhile, Mercedes chief Bradley Lord has expressed concerns about Russell's ability to close the gap as the season progresses.+ 1 moreThu 1 Oct · 10:00 UTC
via Motorsport.comKimi Antonelli has "spooked himself" amid F1 title pressure, says Naomi SchiffNaomi Schiff has expressed concerns about Kimi Antonelli's mental state as he leads the Formula 1 championship. She noted that Antonelli seems to be feeling the pressure, which was evident during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix where he finished fifth after starting from 16th, while his teammate George Russell won the race.
Schiff highlighted that Antonelli needs to overcome this psychological hurdle to avoid jeopardising his championship lead. Despite a challenging race, he still maintains a 66-point advantage over Russell, but Schiff warns that if Antonelli continues to feel 'spooked,' it could affect his performance in the remaining races.Wed 30 Sep · 20:20 UTC
via Motorsport.comGeorge Russell details F1 drivers' Langkawi boys' trip ahead of Bahrain GP in MalaysiaGeorge Russell, a driver for Mercedes, has shared insights about a recent trip to Langkawi, Malaysia, which he took with six other Formula 1 drivers ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. The trip featured activities such as go-karting and sightseeing, with Russell expressing his admiration for the island's beauty and the friendliness of its people. He noted that the itinerary was influenced by Mercedes' title partner, Petronas.
In addition to Russell, Kimi Antonelli, his teammate, arrived in Malaysia early but chose to explore Kuala Lumpur and visit a water park. Antonelli currently leads the championship standings by 66 points, following Russell's victory at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The trip served as a unique way for the drivers to bond and prepare for the upcoming race.Wed 30 Sep · 19:56 UTC
via f1oversteer.comGeorge Russell calls Saturday toughest for MercedesGeorge Russell stated that Mercedes faced its most challenging Saturday of the 2026 Formula 1 season during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia. The team struggled with pace despite introducing a significant upgrade aimed at addressing its performance issues.+ 3 moreWed 30 Sep · 17:30 UTC
via Formula1.comVerstappen says Russell can still win title in 2026Max Verstappen has stated that George Russell requires a significant turnaround to challenge Kimi Antonelli for the world championship ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Russell recently reduced Antonelli's championship lead from 81 points to 66, reigniting his hopes in the title race.+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 14:15 UTC
via Motorsport.comMercedes braced for tougher strategy calls as George Russell closes on Kimi AntonelliMercedes Formula 1 team is preparing for more challenging strategy decisions as George Russell narrows the championship gap to his teammate Kimi Antonelli. Following a dominant victory in Baku, Russell has reduced Antonelli's lead from 81 to 66 points, prompting team principal Toto Wolff to emphasise the importance of equitable treatment for both drivers in race strategies.
With eight races remaining in the season, Russell's resurgence has shifted the dynamics within the team. Wolff noted that the team must carefully evaluate strategy calls to ensure both drivers have equal opportunities, especially as they aim to maintain a competitive edge over their rivals. Additionally, Mercedes has introduced a special livery for the W17 to celebrate the return of the Malaysian Grand Prix.Wed 30 Sep · 12:47 UTC
via RacingNews365Mercedes unveils major F1 upgrade at Bahrain Grand PrixMercedes has introduced a significant upgrade package for its W17 car at the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, featuring seven key changes including a reworked floor and sidepods. George Russell expressed optimism that these updates will enhance the team's performance and provide a competitive edge over rivals.+ 4 moreWed 30 Sep · 11:40 UTC
via F1iToto Wolff perplexed by Mercedes' Sepang upgrade strugglesMercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confusion over the team's performance following their latest upgrades at the Malaysian Grand Prix. Despite expectations of a three-tenths improvement, Wolff noted that the W17 car instead lost five-tenths due to increased drag and poor handling in low-speed corners.
+ 9 more
via PlanetF1Verstappen warns Mercedes upgrade may shift competitionMax Verstappen expressed caution regarding the impact of Mercedes' significant upgrades ahead of the Sepang practice session. Despite dominating the first practice, Verstappen acknowledged that the changes could alter the competitive landscape in Formula 1.
+ 1 moreWed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via RacingNews365George Russell reveals real source of 2026 pressure amid Kimi Antonelli crushingGeorge Russell is facing significant pressure as he aims for the 2026 Formula One championship, currently sitting 81 points behind his teammate Kimi Antonelli, who has dominated the season with eight wins. Russell has acknowledged that his performance has not been strong enough, attributing his position in the standings to reliability issues and a lack of consistency.
Despite the challenges, Russell insists he is not feeling pressure from the championship race itself but rather from his own performance goals. He remains committed to fighting for victories in every race and is focused on improving his performance rather than dwelling on the championship gap. Mercedes is continuing to work with him to enhance his competitiveness under the current regulations.Wed 30 Sep · 10:00 UTC
via the-race.comHow Russell usurped Ocon at MercedesThe article discusses the pivotal moment when George Russell overtook Esteban Ocon as Mercedes' preferred driver, particularly highlighting Ocon's missed opportunities and Russell's impressive performances. Ocon's near chance to race for Mercedes in 2019 and his subsequent struggles to secure a seat are contrasted with Russell's rapid rise through the ranks, culminating in his announcement as Lewis Hamilton's teammate in 2021.
It also examines the decisions made by Toto Wolff regarding the driver line-up, emphasizing the importance of driver compatibility with Hamilton. Ocon's time at Force India and his eventual relegation to a third driver role at Mercedes are noted, along with Wolff's concerns about Ocon's potential pairing with Hamilton, which ultimately influenced the team's decisions regarding their driver contracts.
Wed 30 Sep · 09:00 UTCPage 2 of 22